Course Descriptions

EDU 230 - Introduction to Special Education

3 Credits

This course will provide an overview of the role of special education for students with disabilities. The course will explore services, placement settings, supports, instructional approaches, collaboration with other professionals, and processes related to classification and documentation. The course will also offer opportunities to critically analyze the models, theories, and legislation that have influenced the historical development of this field, as well as contemporary approaches to inclusive classroom practices.

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe how various models of disability have influenced understandings of people with disabilities in educational settings.
2. Identify key elements of historical legislation as they connect to the rights of students with disabilities and their families in educational settings.
3. Identify the primary characteristics of each of the 13 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) categories of disability as they relate to the process of diagnosis.
4. Indicate whether each of the 13 IDEA categories of disability would be considered high- or low-incidence.
5. List the most important steps in the process of attaining special education services for a student identified with a disability.
6. Develop an educational plan for a PK-12 student that matches the various services, settings, and supports offered to students, including professional colleagues’ roles, to the needs of a specific student.
7. Identify information appropriate to include in various sections of a PK-12 student's Individualized Education Program.
8. Modify a lesson plan to incorporate research-based instructional strategies or supports appropriate for meeting specific needs of students.
9. Develop specific instructional strategies that connect to the strengths and needs of the focal student.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025